Dalness Xchange heads a good night for stable

Fresh off her Group One placing at her previous start, Dalness Xchange overcame a wide barrier and a tough trip to get home over a nice field of C2-C4 pacers.

A maiden towards the end of November, Dalness Xchange won at Timaru on debut and has gone on since then to record another four wins in her last 15 starts. Confidently backed into favourite, Dalness Xchange was taken back off the draw and was able to stay out of the early burn up front. With a lap to go driver Matt Purvis sent her forward confidently and by the 800m she was up disputing the pace with Nui Toc Tien. He allowed her to stride to the front from the 400m and she was able to sustain a strong run to the line to win well from a late finisher in Bird Of Paradise.

Last night's win takes her stake-earnings to $34,976 and importantly, this places her very well in her quest for a spot in this year's Harness Jewels. She is currently placed 7th and is almost guraanteed a start in this year's 4yr old Diamond.

John has been pleasantly surprised with the progress of the mare. "I thought she'd win a couple, but she just keeps getting better and better. She is a typical Changeover."

John also though that the jewels were a realistic target. "Well that division is probably the one to be gunning for to be honest. With no Fight For Glory, or The Orange Agent, it is looking a very even lot."

For driver Matt Purvis, it continues a very good season with nine wins from just 89 drives. Matt is pushing hard for a top six spot to qualify him for the New Zealand Junior Drivers' Champs later in the season.

Earlier in the night, it was Graduate Under Fire that delivered win 10 of his 88 start career and took his stakes won to just over the $100,000 mark. He has been a great horse for his owners Ray and Maureen Beale who will have taken great satisfaction in last night's win.

"He flew the gate like he can and was then able to control the race," said John. "He was always travelling good, so I let him run from the 400m and he put a bit of a gap on them. While he was getting a bit tired late he held on well."

Christian Lady powered home late for second after taking time to clear a pocket, while Aveross Rustler ran on well for third.

Living Legend was a much improved third last night for the Westview Racing No 13 syndicate. After missing away slightly early on, Living Legend was sent forward by John at the 1800m, eventually finding the lead with a round to go. He was always travelling kindly and did look a good chance turning for home, but was run over in the last 50m by winner Take After Me and Chapter One.

"That was a much better run," said John. "He just seemed so much better back on the grit tonight. Hopefully that will help his confidence and we can work on getting him some form."